“We are so excited to present this award to my friend Tonis,” stated Andrew Sunshine, President of Film Expo Group. “Tonis has played such a key role at Warner Bros. as they continue to expand and lead by example in the International Market.”
“He is so deserving of this recognition and it is fitting that we can celebrate him for this milestone achievement in 2023 - the same year as Warner Bros. Studios’ centennial celebration,” continued Sunshine.
Welcoming the announcement, Phil Clapp, President of the European cinema trade body UNIC, added, “UNIC is delighted in joining colleagues from across the industry in congratulating Tonis Kiis on his richly-deserved recognition as CineEurope 2023 International Distributor of the Year.”
Tonis Kiis currently serves as Senior Vice President, International Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. Based in Los Angeles, he is responsible for a wide range of theatrical film distribution activities in more than 125 countries internationally, including release planning, filmmaker relationships, partnerships with theatrical exhibitors, business development initiatives, and emerging cinema technologies.
During his more than 14 years in distribution, Kiis has helped the Studio amass a staggering $35.4 billion in international box office. Working with one of the most robust and diverse slates in the industry, he has helped guide international release strategies to maximize box office for such hugely successful film franchises as Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, The Hobbit Trilogy, DC’s Joker, Wonder Woman, Shazam!, and the highest-grossing DC title of all time, Aquaman, with its sequel slated for later this year. He has also helped shepherd such acclaimed titles as Dunkirk, A Star Is Born, Dune, and Elvis, to box office success, among numerous others.
Prior to joining Warner Bros. in 2009, Kiis held a number of positions at the Welk Group, Inc., including General Manager of The Welk Studios, a studio facility in Los Angeles. Early on in his career, Kiis also held positions at Warner Bros., as part of the International Theatrical Operations team, and at Walt Disney Studios, where he contributed to the launch of Disney’s electronic sell-through business on emerging digital platforms, including on Apple iTunes.
About CineEurope
CineEurope 2023 will take place 19-22 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).
About UNIC
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.
About Film Expo Group
The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok. Additional information can be found at www.filmexpos.com.
Media Contact:
Dawn Blaschick
dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com